Seeking Advice: First Telemark Ski - Elan Ripstick 96 vs K2 Mindbender 90C

[vasja]

Hi all,
I’m looking for some advice on choosing my first Telemark skis. I’m an advanced alpine skier (175 cm tall, 73 kg) but completely new to Telemark. I figured starting with a slightly shorter ski might be a good idea for the learning curve.

The two options I’m considering are:
1. Elan Ripstick 96 (172 cm)
2. K2 Mindbender 90C (172 cm)

I’ll be skiing mostly on mixed terrain (resort, some powder, and occasional crud). My goal is to have a forgiving ski that still provides a bit of versatility as I learn and progress.

Do you think one of these would be more suited for a beginner Telemark skier transitioning from alpine? Any personal experience with these skis on Telemark setups would be super helpful.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Edit - addditional info
- boots Scarpa TX Pro - size 25.5
- binding Meidjo 3 SR

[fisheater]

Okay, I’ll give a try. The K2 has a laminated core, it might be a great ski, I don’t know.
The Ripstick is used by guys on this forum, and positive reviews.
I bought a ski to go back to the resort after many years. I bought a Summitcone Pariah from Fey Brothers. It’s made in the USA, has a poplar/birch core with rubber foil dampening. I trusted the construction. I didn’t know how it would flex. I trusted Fey Brothers. They recommended a 177 cm for my 190 + lbs. That made it the shortest ski I ever skied. Well, it’s surprisingly quick edge to edge for what I think of as a wide ski. It handled ice coast firm when I went East. I’m not worried about powder, I can ski that at mid-70’s underfoot, I’m old, I skied 42” at Alta at 78 mm underfoot a long time ago. It was a lame winter in Michigan last year. I didn’t ski on much powder in Michigan or Vermont. I skied on plenty of mank, it skied fine on mank.
You didn’t mention boots or bindings. That’s part of the equation. You need to flex the ski one footed Telemark. Despite 97 mm underfoot works for me, mid 80’s might be better to learn on unless you are out west. That is just easier to put on edge independently edging each foot. I was just looking for a ski that would flex properly, and a wood core with a bit of dampening. Fey Brothers didn’t let me down, but that being said, there can be lots of better skis. However, I’m quite pleased to have a ski that is as quick edge to edge as me, and goes as fast as me. I’m even faster on it.

[Montana St Alum]

Where do you live? Ski conditions out east would direct me to different skis than out west.

[vasja]

You didn’t mention boots or bindings. That’s part of the equation.

Meidjo 3 SR binding and Scarpa TX Pro (2025) boot in 25.5

[vasja]

Where do you live? Ski conditions out east would direct me to different skis than out west.

Europe... Will use them mainly in Austrai and Italy - I guess more similarity with East coast than West...

[Montana St Alum]

Where do you live? Ski conditions out east would direct me to different skis than out west.

Europe... Will use them mainly in Austrai and Italy - I guess more similarity with East coast than West...

Yeah, I agree. What are you currently skiing on? With modern stiff boots and those bindings, I'd be inclined to use something similar to what you already ski. As far as the physics of how the skis turn, it's very similar to alpine. You'll have to tweak technique, but if you're currently on a ski you really like, you could use that.